World Bank, KRG Partner to Promote Equity

The World Bank Group and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-Iraq, have launched a social protection program of support to promote equity in living standards and reduce vulnerability.

The program is aligned with the government’s efforts to develop a comprehensive social protection system and contributes to the goals of KRGs Vision 2020 of “freedom, health, welfare, economic security and opportunity for people.”

Today’s launch of the technical cooperation program which follows the signing of four technical assistance activities between the World Bank Group and the Kurdistan Regional Government-Iraq (KRG) in November 2014, was held under the auspices of KRG Minister of Planning Ali Sindi.

The event was attended by government officials, civil society representatives, parliamentarians, and development and international organizations experts.

“We are pleased to have the experience of the World Bank Group to enhance social protection systems in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq,” said Minister Sindi. “The World Bank will support KRG to meet objectives set out in in Vision 2020, which starts with ‘Putting People First’ as the initial chapter.”

Discussions revolved around the different phases of the program including scope, objectives, timeframe and implementation. Global and regional trends in social protection were highlighted and emphasis was placed on how they relate to the local context of social protection systems in KRG.

“The World Bank is supporting the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq in its overall socio-economic development,” said Robert Bou Jaoude, World Bank Special Representative for Iraq. “Social protection programs are a critical element in building resilience so that people are better equipped to face shocks and crisis.”